Thomas Tuchel has submitted his 55-man long list for the World Cup, and Myles Lewis-Skelly must be on it. This is a story of redemption, comeback, and potentially the decisive player in the title race.
Lewis-Skelly, 19, seemed out of the picture, Arsenal's forgotten man who had fallen off the England radar despite his breakthrough season. England boss Tuchel gave him his debut at left-back, stuck with him initially after he lost his Arsenal place, and even cited a duty of care for young players as the reason. If that is the case, Tuchel should also reward and elevate him, particularly when Lewis-Skelly can bring something extra to the table.
Yes, Lewis-Skelly has been with the Under-21s, but the World Cup is every player's dream, and the teenager has shown in Arsenal's recent games that he can be a driving force in midfield as well as left-back. This is the player entrusted in midfield for a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, and he started there against West Ham and switched to left-back during the game. He is up against Nico O'Reilly, who is surely still in pole position to start the World Cup, and Lewis Hall, but it may be that Lewis-Skelly can gatecrash because of his versatility and wonderful momentum.
The 55-Man Squad Process
To be clear, you almost have to do well to NOT be in Tuchel's list of 55. That had to be submitted to FIFA on Monday night by 23:59 Central European Time. FIFA then allows nations to trim down to 26 by June 1, and the squad lists are made official on June 2. Tuchel names his 26 next week, so we will know before then, but there may be some standbys or an injury doubt. Perhaps even a knock on the final Premier League weekend. That is where the wriggle room comes in. The 55 squad has become a 'bit of a thing' after it was mentioned in conversation by Gareth Southgate a few times. It's not new; it's a procedural thing. National associations can name them if they choose. Brazil did on Monday and included Neymar, but the English FA take the other view of not naming them.
There is a case for Ivan Toney because England will probably take three strikers. Danny Welbeck is believed to be in, as is Luke Shaw. Ben White looks likely to miss out through injury, as does Tino Livramento. Is there a way back for Trent Alexander-Arnold? Again, Tuchel is likely to pick all and sundry into the 55. It's not public. There have been no leaks. Instead, journalists, players, and clubs hear whispers. Leaks is a term used by people who don't hear the whispers. The waiting game is on.
Player Ratings and Analysis
Here, Cross gives his latest verdict on the players he saw live this week - Arsenal's 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday - and the squad overall. There is a chance to have your say in the article, so get involved.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Match rating: 7/10. He was tireless in his efforts. Ran his heart out. This is a player you would want as your captain. What an example. Deserved more.
Current form: 7/10. In West Ham's run, he has been the man. Has raised his level, taken on responsibility, and shone. Outstanding.
England squad rating: 8/10. Has to be in the squad. Has to go. He has shown in the past three months that he should be on the plane.
Ben White (Arsenal)
Match rating: 6/10. Did not last the first half before going off injured. What an unlucky break, and one that will end his - albeit remote - chances of going to the World Cup.
Current form: 7/10. Has been a warrior for Arsenal. No longer first choice, but gives everything. A bit of a cult figure. He may be on the move this summer but will depart on the back of a good run.
England squad rating: 4/10. Injury and competition - I am being generous with a 4. But that is the reality. What a shame. Deserves more.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Match rating: 7/10. The driving force in midfield and was then - rather inexplicably - switched to full-back. What on earth was Mikel Arteta thinking? Arsenal lost momentum, but it showed just how important and good he is.
Current form: 9/10. He got my vote in the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. He has been untouchable.
England squad rating: 9/10. Stitched on - as long as he is fit because he has played so many games!
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Match rating: 7/10. Gets a good mark not only because he played well but also did well in two different roles: full-back and midfield.
Current form: 8/10. What a comeback. He has been sensational. Absolutely amazing. Restored against Fulham and was man of the match, then played a Champions League semi-final and was superb. This is some redemption.
England squad rating: 6/10. This is some comeback. He is only a 6 - but should be more - because he has been out of the picture for so long. He should be going, but it is Tuchel's call.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Match rating: 5/10. He was poor. After Mikel Arteta praised his 'aura' and 'fear factor', he barely showed up in a huge game. That was one of Arsenal's biggest disappointments. Saka is fabulous, but this was a dip.
Current form: 7/10. He has been excellent - barring West Ham - since coming back. He has looked lively, sharp, and dangerous. He looks good, just in time for the World Cup. Sunday apart!
England squad rating: 9/10. No doubt about it. His quality gets him on the plane.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Match rating: 5/10. Poor. Arsenal were way better when Martin Odegaard came on to drive the team forward. Very subdued and quiet. Too laid back.
Current form: 7/10. Excellent overall. He has given Thomas Tuchel food for thought as a player who can go as he can cover the No.10 role and also from the left.
England squad rating: 7/10. It is still uncertain, but has done enough to jump ahead of the likes of Phil Foden and possibly Cole Palmer who does not look fit.
Noni Madueke (Chelsea)
Match rating: 5/10. Came on with 10 minutes left in the game, so hard to judge or read much into it. One bit of quality in the build-up to the goal.
Current form: 6/10. Has not been good enough. Did brilliantly earlier in the season but has dipped lately and is back to being Bukayo Saka's clear understudy.
England squad rating: 6/10. He must be behind Saka and Bowen on current form.
Do You Agree?
Use our England Squad Slider - in or out - to have your say.
England Player Ratings - Their Chances of Making the Plane
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford 10
- Dean Henderson 9
- James Trafford 8
- Aaron Ramsdale 6
- Jason Steele 6
Defenders
- Marc Guéhi 9
- Ezri Konsa 9
- John Stones 8
- Trevoh Chalobah 8
- Dan Burn 7
- Harry Maguire 6
- Jarell Quansah 6
- Fikayo Tomori 4
Right Backs
- Reece James 8
- Tino Livramento 6
- Trent Alexander-Arnold 5
- Ben White 4
Left Backs
- Nico O'Reilly 9
- Lewis Hall 8
- Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
- Luke Shaw 5
- Djed Spence 4
Midfielders
- Declan Rice 9
- Elliot Anderson 9
- Kobbie Mainoo 7
- Jordan Henderson 6
- James Garner 7
- Adam Wharton 6
- Alex Scott 6
No.10s
- Jude Bellingham 9
- Morgan Rogers 8
- Cole Palmer 7
- Eberechi Eze 7
- Phil Foden 5
Right Wingers
- Bukayo Saka 9
- Jarrod Bowen 8
- Noni Madueke 6
Left Wingers
- Marcus Rashford 9
- Anthony Gordon 8
Strikers
- Harry Kane 10
- Ollie Watkins 7
- Ivan Toney 6
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin 5
- Dominic Solanke 4
- Danny Welbeck 4
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